Tips for Starting Your Own Bounce House Business
Cheryl Pierce
You can see bounce houses everywhere in the warmer months. You might have even rented one in the past. And there's a good chance that you've thought about starting a bounce house business yourself.
The price for bounce houses varies in different parts of the country. They can rent from $65.00 per day on the west coast to $250.00 and up in other parts of the country. In the Indiana area, rentals usually run about $225.00 for six hours or so. You do the math. Charging just $150.00 for a rental can add an extra $300.00 a week in your pocket.
Like any business, you're going to have some expenses. A bounce delivery requires a truck or a small trailer. You'll need extension cords, business cards, insurance, dollys and other small business supplies. Most rental company owners start by doing deliveries and bookings themselves so they won't have a lot of additional labor costs. The real joy of this business is that you work when you want to work, and if you feel like taking time off....just don't take any bookings for that day. But, the downside is that if you want to make a great deal of income, you're going to have to be available when people want to rent. And that's generally on the weekend.
Insurance is the biggest cost. Although it seems to get cheaper when more units are added, start up costs are tough. Bounce House purchase prices average around $1500.00 but insurance will be around $750.00. That means your first year start up is going to cost around $2500.00. If you rent your unit for $150.00, you'll still have paid for your costs in less than 20 rentals. And, of course, the more you charge, the quicker your investment will pay for itself.
You might be surprised to find that there is a lot more to rentals than bounce houses. Our initial start up five years ago was two bounces but within just a short time we have grown to over 50 inflatable and interactive games. You can find giant slides, obstacle courses, casino tables, Bungee Runs, Toddler Games and fun foods. The business actually will grow as large as you want it to. As long as you get the equipment out in front of people, you'll be booking rentals. The units themselves are their own advertisements.
You can get started in a bounce business by following a few easy steps.
-Find out from your state and local board what you need to start a bounce rental business. There might be restrictions on what you can do.
-Find out about suppliers. Search the internet for "moonwalks" or "interactive inflatable games"
-Ask the suppliers to give you insurance info. Do NOT make a purchase until you've secured insurance.
-Once you have insurance locked up, place your order.
-While you're waiting for your equipment, get some fliers made up, business cards and a dedicated phone number. Tell EVERYONE about your new business.
-DON'T book your units until they're in your possession. Disappointing your first customers won't be a good way to start your business.
-As soon as your equipment arrives, inspect it for damage before the delivery truck leaves. Make sure it's all there (most units are sold with a blower).
-It's so much fun to blow up your unit the first time. The neighborhood kids will want too play and you need to let them. Watch them have fun and learn all about your new bounce. Remember, the more people see it, the more people will rent it.
Pretty simple, isn't it? Of course I just touched on the steps but it's not much more complicated than that. If you join the Party Rental Industry you'll be sharing fun with everyone. And that's a great way to make an income.
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